#CEC32: 32nd Annual Council Session and JPAC Public Forum
Mexico City
(Hybrid Event)
Mexico
24 and 25 July, 2025
Public
Mark your calendar for the Commission for Environmental Cooperation’s (CEC) 32nd annual Council Session and Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) Public Forum, to be held 24–25 July 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico, under the theme “Nexus Between Circular Economy and Nature-based Solutions in North America.”
#CEC32 will bring together the top environmental officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States, Indigenous and community leaders, subject matter experts, business leaders, youth and members of the public. Together, they will discuss priorities and collaborative solutions addressing how Circular Economy and Nature-based Solutions can converge into a comprehensive sustainability approach that seeks to ensure the use of resources also promotes the restoration and protection of the natural environment.
Register Now (online) Register Now (in person)
Agenda
#CEC32 is a two-day event that is open to the public, with live-streamed events featuring simultaneous interpretation in English, French and Spanish. #CEC32 events can be attended in person or virtually at no cost.
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
The JPAC Public Forum will kick off the two-day event. Titled “Building Sustainable Economies: Circular Models and Nature-based Solutions for a Resilient North America,” the forum will provide participants with the opportunity to engage in an open dialogue and share their experiences on how these approaches are being applied across the region, and how their integration can accelerate the transition to more sustainable and equitable economic systems. Insights gathered will help the CEC identify critical and emerging environmental priorities at the local and regional levels.
JPAC Public Forum:
Building Sustainable Economies: Circular Models and Nature-based Solutions for a Resilient North America
8:30 am-8:40 am
JPAC Public Forum Welcoming Ceremony
8:40 am-8:50 am
Opening Remarks
Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin
JPAC Chair
Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin
JPAC Chair
Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of proven leadership in the natural resources and energy sectors. As the Chief Executive Officer of Nukik Corporation, she is advancing significant infrastructure development in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, spearheading the adoption of large-scale renewable energy and broadband connectivity. Her strategic oversight of the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link in particular — a multi-billion-dollar initiative— is positioned to unlock immense value for both the region and Canada. Thanks to this expertise in financial modelling, project approval, and large-scale infrastructure execution, the company is driving impactful change in the Canadian Arctic.
Previously, as President and CEO of WaterPower Canada, Anne-Raphaëlle led the national association representing Canada’s largest electricity sector. She significantly expanded revenue, successfully launched the first national industry conference and trade show, and grew the membership base, enhancing the organization's visibility and influence across the sector.
Anne-Raphaëlle’s background also includes a role as Environmental and Social Impacts Management Specialist at Hatch Ltd., where she worked on energy and mining projects. She excels in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments, securing strategic partnerships, and driving consensus across regional, provincial, and federal levels. Recognized as a thought leader, Anne-Raphaëlle is frequently quoted in national media and serves on several boards of directors.
In 2019, Anne-Raphaëlle became a Governor in Council Appointee to the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation's Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC), where she promotes sustainable development and ecosystem protection across Canada, the US, and Mexico. She was reappointed in 2022 for a four-year term by the federal government.
Anne-Raphaëlle holds a degree in Business Administration from the Université de Nantes (France), Civil Law and Common Law degrees from the University of Ottawa, and a Master’s in Environmental and Natural Resources Management from Dalhousie University. She also earned an Executive Certificate in Corporate Sustainability from the Yale School of Management in 2021. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, she is certified in Project Planning and Controls.
8:50 am-9:00 am
Welcoming Remarks
Jorge Daniel Taillant
CEC Executive Director
Jorge Daniel Taillant
CEC Executive Director
Jorge Daniel Taillant serves as the CEC’s Executive Director since August of 2022.
He is a life-long global advocate for human rights and environmental protection. His career spans several decades, working with international development agencies, as an advisor to governments, leading innovative civil society organizations and networks, and with disadvantaged communities to tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
He has spear-headed incisive global initiatives to link human rights and environmental advocacy, pushing for more effective public policies, stronger legislation and greater corporate accountability and respect for human rights and environmental sustainability.
During the past decade, he has turned his focus to tackling the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, advocating for immediate actions to aggressively phase out the most intense climate pollutants, such as methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and tropospheric ozone (O3), while promoting inclusive, equitable and resilient adaptation for the most climate-vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
9:00 am-9:20 am
Keynote Presentation. Building Sustainable Economies: Unlocking the Potential of Circular Economy and Nature-based Solutions
This keynote will set the stage by exploring how the integration of Circular Economy and Nature-based Solutions can transform North America into a more sustainable and resilient region. It will address the economic and environmental challenges currently facing the three countries and how these two approaches can work together to create regenerative systems, reduce environmental pressure and unlock new sustainable economic opportunities. The keynote will also highlight the importance of public-private partnerships in scaling these solutions.
9:20 am-10:50 am
Session 1. Nature-based Solutions: Ecological Regeneration and Economic Opportunities
Nature-based Solutions are “actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural and modified ecosystems in ways that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, to provide both human well-being and biodiversity benefits” (IUCN, 2016). Nature-based Solutions offer a powerful, systems-level response to today’s environmental and socio-economic challenges. By leveraging the regenerative capacity of ecosystems, Nature-based Solutions can restore degraded landscapes, enhance biodiversity, improve water security, and capture carbon—all while driving inclusive economic growth. This panel will spotlight innovative Nature-based Solutions initiatives, showcasing how they deliver both environmental impact and livelihood benefits. Panelists will explore the enabling role of policy, finance, community engagement, partnerships and private sector innovation in scaling these solutions across North America.
10:50 am-11:00 am
Break
11:00 am-12:30 pm
Session 2. Circular Economy: Closing Material Cycles and Creating Sustainable Systems
The Circular Economy uses “a systematic approach to maintain a circular flow of resources by recovering or adding to their value, while contributing to sustainable development” (ISO, 2024). This panel will explore how Circular Economy principles are being implemented across sectors, and the role that business, policy and technology play in scaling these solutions. Panelists will highlight key enablers, share real-world examples, and discuss how cross-sector collaboration is driving the transition to a more sustainable and resilient economy in North America.
12:30 pm-12:45 pm
Report from the U.S. National and Governmental Advisory Committee Representatives
12:45 pm-1:00 pm
Overview of the Submission on Enforcement Matters (SEM) Process
Paolo Solano
Director, Legal Affairs and Submissions on Enforcement Matters Unit
Paolo Solano
Director, Legal Affairs and Submissions on Enforcement Matters Unit
The Director of Legal Affairs and Submissions on Enforcement Matters (SEM) at the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, Paolo Solano is a lawyer trained in Mexico with over 15 years of experience in the field of international environmental law. His responsibilities at the CEC pertain to the implementation of the SEM process under NAFTA/USMCA-CUSMA and also include advising on operational and legal matters of the CEC more generally.
Paolo obtained his law degree from the Faculty of Law at the National University of Mexico (UNAM), a master’s degree on environmental governance from University of Essex (awarded with honors); a diploma on US law from the Georgetown Law Center, and graduate studies on Business Management and Canadian Law at the University of Montreal.
Paolo has also been a visiting law professor in the United States and Mexico and has published academic articles and a book chapter. Since 2008 he has published the annual report for the Yearbook of International Environmental Law and, as of 2015, also reports on the development of environmental law in Mexico.
1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Break
2:00 pm-2:20 pm
Traditional Ecological Knowledge Expert Group (TEKEG) Intervention
2:20 pm-4:00 pm
Session 3. Multi-actor Facilitated Dialogue – From Vision to Action: Building Sustainable Economies Together for a Resilient North America
This dialogue will explore the practical steps necessary to transition to regenerative and sustainable economies, emphasizing the importance of inclusive, cross-sectoral cooperation, and the transformative power of public-private partnerships in driving systemic change. Opening with a summary of the discussions that took place in the previous sessions, this segment will offer a space for an interactive discussion on how to move from vision to action: identify strategies to overcome systemic barriers, scale effective solutions and deliver lasting benefits for communities across the continent.
4:00 pm-4:15 pm
Closing Remarks
Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin
JPAC Chair
Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin
JPAC Chair
Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of proven leadership in the natural resources and energy sectors. As the Chief Executive Officer of Nukik Corporation, she is advancing significant infrastructure development in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, spearheading the adoption of large-scale renewable energy and broadband connectivity. Her strategic oversight of the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link in particular — a multi-billion-dollar initiative— is positioned to unlock immense value for both the region and Canada. Thanks to this expertise in financial modelling, project approval, and large-scale infrastructure execution, the company is driving impactful change in the Canadian Arctic.
Previously, as President and CEO of WaterPower Canada, Anne-Raphaëlle led the national association representing Canada’s largest electricity sector. She significantly expanded revenue, successfully launched the first national industry conference and trade show, and grew the membership base, enhancing the organization's visibility and influence across the sector.
Anne-Raphaëlle’s background also includes a role as Environmental and Social Impacts Management Specialist at Hatch Ltd., where she worked on energy and mining projects. She excels in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments, securing strategic partnerships, and driving consensus across regional, provincial, and federal levels. Recognized as a thought leader, Anne-Raphaëlle is frequently quoted in national media and serves on several boards of directors.
In 2019, Anne-Raphaëlle became a Governor in Council Appointee to the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation's Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC), where she promotes sustainable development and ecosystem protection across Canada, the US, and Mexico. She was reappointed in 2022 for a four-year term by the federal government.
Anne-Raphaëlle holds a degree in Business Administration from the Université de Nantes (France), Civil Law and Common Law degrees from the University of Ottawa, and a Master’s in Environmental and Natural Resources Management from Dalhousie University. She also earned an Executive Certificate in Corporate Sustainability from the Yale School of Management in 2021. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, she is certified in Project Planning and Controls.
4:15 pm-5:00 pm
Networking and CEC Visibility (in person only)
7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Official Opening of the 32nd Regular Session of the Council (in person only)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
Day two will include a Presentation on CEC’s work including efforts on Nature-based Solutions and Circular Economy, and will conclude with the Council Public Session, which presents an opportunity for North Americans to engage with the top environmental officials in the region on the theme for the Council Session. This year, discussions will focus on “Nexus Between Circular Economy and Nature-based Solutions in North America.”
9:30 am-11:00 am
CEC Presentation Panel. From Design to Action: Exploring CEC’s Trinational Work on Environmental Sustainability
This engaging panel discussion will delve into the CEC’s trinational efforts to promote environmental sustainability across North America. The panel will focus particularly on efforts and initiatives related to Nature-based Solutions and Circular Economy. The discussion will highlight the journey from strategic design to practical implementation, showcasing the collaborative work of the CEC and its partners in addressing key environmental challenges.
The panel, comprising members of the CEC Secretariat, will present an overview of North American approaches to collaboration, highlighting successes, challenges, best practices and the reality of day-to-day sustainability management in practice.
11:00 am-12:00 pm
Networking and CEC Visibility (in person only)
12:00 pm-2:30 pm
Break
Council Public Meeting:
Nexus Between Circular Economy and Nature-based Solutions in North America
2:30 pm-2:50 pm
Welcoming Remarks and video presentations.
Jorge Daniel Taillant
CEC Executive Director
Jorge Daniel Taillant
CEC Executive Director
Jorge Daniel Taillant serves as the CEC’s Executive Director since August of 2022.
He is a life-long global advocate for human rights and environmental protection. His career spans several decades, working with international development agencies, as an advisor to governments, leading innovative civil society organizations and networks, and with disadvantaged communities to tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
He has spear-headed incisive global initiatives to link human rights and environmental advocacy, pushing for more effective public policies, stronger legislation and greater corporate accountability and respect for human rights and environmental sustainability.
During the past decade, he has turned his focus to tackling the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, advocating for immediate actions to aggressively phase out the most intense climate pollutants, such as methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and tropospheric ozone (O3), while promoting inclusive, equitable and resilient adaptation for the most climate-vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
2:50 pm-3:30 pm
Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP) 2025 Cohort
The GELP invites teams of young leaders from North America to support communities and preserve our shared waters, lands and air. The program is aimed at youth who are 18–35 years old and are part of a team such as, but not exclusively, youth-led organizations, youth-led associations, nongovernmental organizations, not-for-profit youth-led businesses and teams of youth innovators and entrepreneurs interested in building their businesses. The selected youth teams will present their innovative solutions to the Council and the public.
3:30 pm-4:40 pm
Dialogue with the Council on “Nexus Between Circular Economy and Nature-based Solutions”
During this session, Council members will participate in a public dialogue on Circular Economy and Nature-based Solutions
4:40 pm-4:50 pm
Break
4:50 pm-5:10 pm
Council Announcements
5:10 pm-5:30 pm
Council Session Closing
Click here to download the complete program of public events.
Register Now (online) Register Now (in person)Financial assistance
If you are interested in attending the event in person, you may apply for financial assistance to cover travel and accommodation. However, financial assistance is limited and available only to non-profit organizations and individuals currently residing in Canada, Mexico or the United States. Government representatives are not eligible for financial assistance, and funding will be limited to one representative per organization. To apply for financial assistance, please follow the in-person registration link. Please note that participants are responsible for obtaining the necessary travel documents, such as a valid passport and travel visa (if applicable), as well as for covering any related expenses. The deadline to apply for financial assistance is 15 June 2025.
Event accessibility
We strive to host inclusive, barrier-free events that enable all individuals to fully engage with CEC activities. As such, #CEC32 sessions, panels and presentations will be live-streamed and all broadcasts will be available in English, French and Spanish via simultaneous interpretation, with closed-caption services available.
To further this commitment, we are gathering feedback from our audience to enhance the accessibility of our activities. Please indicate your requirements to help us improve our events so that they meet your accessibility and inclusion needs. Your input will help us identify areas for improvement. Please send us an email at cec32@cec.org.
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Members of the media are encouraged to register for access and coverage opportunities.
For any media inquiries or more information about the event, please contact cec32@cec.org.
Contact
Marcela Orozco
Director, Advisory Groups and Public Participation
(514) 350-4305
Nathalie Daoust
Director, Government Relations, Strategy and Performance
(514) 350-4310